The warning comes in a report from the United Nations’ World Health Organization (WHO) office in Europe, where AI is already helping doctors detect diseases, reduce administrative tasks and communicate with patients.
Technology is reshaping the way care is delivered, data is interpreted and resources are allocated.
“But Without clear strategies, data privacy, legal safeguards and investment in mastering AI, we risk worsening inequalities rather than reducing them.” said Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.
Transforming healthcare
The report constitutes the first comprehensive assessment of how AI is adopted and regulated in health systems in the region. The survey was sent to all 53 countries in the country and 50 participated.
Although almost all recognize how AI could transform healthcare – from diagnostics to disease monitoring to personalized medicine – only four countries have a dedicated national strategy and seven more are developing one.
Some countries are taking proactive steps, such as Estonia, where electronic health records, insurance data and demographic databases are linked into a unified platform supporting AI tools.
Finland has also invested in AI training for health workers, while Spain is testing AI for early disease detection in primary healthcare.
Challenges and constraints
However, across the region, regulation is struggling to keep pace with technology.
Forty-three countries, or 86 percent, cite legal uncertainty as the main barrier to AI adoption, while 39 countries (or 78 percent) cite financial affordability.
At the same time, fewer than 10% of countries have health AI accountability standards, which are essential for determining who is responsible in the event of an AI system’s error or harm.
“Despite these challenges, there is broad consensus on policy measures that could facilitate AI adoption”, says the report.
“Almost all Member States consider clear rules on liability for manufacturers, deployers and users of AI systems to be a key element. Similarly, guidance ensuring the transparency, verifiability and explainability of AI solutions is seen as essential to building trust in AI outcomes.”
Always put people first
The WHO has urged countries to develop AI strategies that align with public health goals.
They were also encouraged to invest in an AI-ready workforce, strengthen legal and ethical safeguards, engage with the public and improve cross-border data governance.
“AI is poised to revolutionize healthcare, but its promise will only come true if people and patients remain at the center of every decisionsaid Dr. Kluge.
“The choices we make now will determine whether AI empowers patients and health workers or leaves them behind. »
